make a counterpoint to: Describes the current issue to your classmates One current topic in employment law that stands out and remains unresolved is the issue of mandatory arbitration agreements. This topic is particularly relevant today as more employers include these clauses in their employment contracts to manage disputes outside the traditional court system. Per this week's lecture, "Forced arbitration occurs when an employer conditions initial employment, continued employment, or important employment benefits on the employee's agreement to arbitrate any future claims against the employer" (Slide 29). Mandatory, or forced, arbitration agreements require employees to arbitrate any disputes with their employer, waiving their right to sue in court. This practice has grown increasingly common in employment contracts as a way for businesses to streamline dispute resolution and reduce litigation costs. However, it's become a controversial topic, with critics arguing it restricts workers' rights to a fair trial and may lead to less favorable outcomes for employees. When tying this issue into the news, recent article talks about Joanne Grace, a former registered nurse of nearly 50 years, who testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, claiming she was forced out of her job due to age discrimination and silenced through forced arbitration - a process her employer insisted applied to her despite her not signing any agreement. Grace's, and former Fox News anchor, Gretchen Carlson's, testimonies highlight the broader issue of forced arbitration clauses in employment, which critics argue strip employees of their rights to sue for injustices such as age and racial discrimination. Carlson, who had previously challenged Fox News over sexual misconduct through forced arbitration, supports legislative efforts to protect workers, including proposed laws to ban forced arbitration for age and race discrimination claims. However, some argue that arbitration can be beneficial by reducing litigation costs. Advocates, including Grace, urge Congress to pass these protections to ensure fair treatment for workers. Discusses the pros and cons of the employee and business perspectives on the issue From the employee perspective, arbitration offers the potential advantages of being a faster and less costly alternative to court litigation, which could lead to quicker resolutions. However, there are significant downsides, including the possibility of receiving lower awards than what might be achieved in court, a lack of appeal rights, and concerns over the process's transparency. Employees also worry about the neutrality of arbitrators, given that employers often choose the arbitration forum. On the business side, the pros include avoiding the expenses and uncertainties of litigation and the risk of large jury awards, with the added benefit of keeping arbitration proceedings private and away from public scrutiny. However, arbitration isn't without its risks for businesses, which can still lead to significant awards. Arbitration can lead to negative public perceptions and potentially harm employee relations if the process is perceived as being unfairly forced upon employees. Provides some guidance on how you feel this matter should or will be resolved The debate over mandatory arbitration agreements is complex, touching on issues of access to justice, efficiency in dispute resolution, and the balance of power between employers and employees. I think that resolving this issue could involve legislative action to set standards for when and how arbitration agreements can be used in employment. For example, legislation could require that arbitration agreements be truly voluntary, with clear explanations provided to employees about what they're agreeing to, or it could prohibit arbitration for certain types of claims, such as discrimination or harassment. Also, ensuring the selection of truly neutral arbitrators and allowing for some form of appeal could address concerns about fairness and equity in the arbitration process. The continued dialogue between labor and business groups, along with legislative/judicial oversight, I believe will shape the future of mandatory arbitration agreements in employment contracts. As societal values and legal interpretations evolve, I believe that the balance between streamlining dispute resolution and protecting workers' rights to a fair hearing also will.plea